Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: 4 takeaways from preseason debut

By Mark Nilon

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics attempts a lay up during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics attempts a lay up during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics had their preseason debut Tuesday night, and there were a few key points that the Houdini took away from it.

Though it was only the first game of the preseason, the Houdini was quite excited to see the Boston Celtics take to the hardwood for the first time in two-and-a-half months.

Unfortunately, the team’s losing woes continued on from last they played, as they were downed by the Philadelphia 76ers to the tune of a 108-99 final score.

Despite the loss, however, there were quite a few takeaways from the exhibition that are important for Cs fans to know:

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 1) Tacko Fall looked solid

The Senegalese supergiant Tacko Fall became a quick fan favorite for the Boston Celtics faithful during his rookie campaign in 2019-20.

Though he didn’t find much playing time on the court last year, Fall did just enough to earn himself a second-consecutive two-way contract with the franchise this offseason and, heading into last night’s game, was receiving rave reviews from both his coaching staff and teammates alike, with Brad Stevens going as far as to say the 25-year-old has seemingly improved his entire game:

"“I think he’s improved in every which way,” Stevens said. “He works really hard. I think his body looks great. I feel like he’s in good shape as he’s been. And we’re glad he’s here.”"

Last night, while his final stat line of five points and three rebounds may not completely “wow” you, his presence on the court did seem a bit different in comparison to last year… in a good way.

Along with these aforementioned numbers, he also logged one steal and one block while converting on two of three attempts in 10 minutes.

Frankly, he seemed a bit more solid than he did last season, which was especially impressive considering he was going up against both Joel Embiid & Dwight Howard — albeit in limited capacity.

Making smart decisions on the defensive end, Fall managed to alter numerous shots while also finishing the game with zero personal fouls.

While we can’t get too ahead of ourselves with, as it’s only preseason, but Fall looked solid in the minutes he got.

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